It can be more dangerous, but ride a little smarter. Swap out your race tires for a good tread all season tire, if you can. Just be careful of fish tailing. Also make sure you are visible to traffic. Leave your powertap at home. It can be lots of fun.

+1 on what was said above. If I waited for sunshine I would 1)never get to ride in the winter 2) only get to ride sometime in the summer . Don't let a little rain stop you!

My first 70.3 (Florida) at about the 30mile mark on the bike the skies opened up. Big bullet type rain. Definitely slowed me down as I was not used to such a harsh condition. Be cautious for sure. Don't expect breakthrough workouts. But will definitely make you a tougher athlete IMHO.

cheers
S.

Don't avoid it - embrace it! It's an opportunity to get out in conditions you might face in an event... better to understand your limits on slippery pavement now than to try to learn it while trying to set a fast time and end up on your butt!

That being said - avoid busy roads... :)

jono

Amen sista, 50-60% of my bike raining is in the rain. Sucks but it has to be done.

Good advice so far. I would just add that there is a good risk of hypothermia if you are out in even mild temps and rain for an extended period without proper attire. Get a rain jacket and pay attention to what your body tells you.

To each their own....
I'm extra careful in the rain, not to say something won't happen...but I believe more then anything it builds mental toughness. Sideways rain is the best!

I get caught out in the rain enough that I don't have to plan for it.

Otherwise... that's what God invented trainers for. running in the rain however, is great.

Unavoidable in Colorado so I've embraced it. It gets bad when its cold and raining, so make sure you're dressed appropriately. I rode through the winter, no rides in the snow though, but rain usually didn't stop me. At about mile 35 of the Boise 70.3 it started to rain on us (us being the slow swimmers). Most people slowed down but it actually gave me a shot of adrenaline because I knew that I could handle it, started passing people at a higher rate.

If you read my post, I said do it once (or however many times it takes) to get a feel for handling. It has rained on me in 2 races recently & I've been fine (PR'd in the last one), despite not "training" for it. If you enjoy it, that's great. I'm just saying I don't; can I offer another viewpoint?

+1
Thanks, that link is great! I always wrap my feet up in plastic wrap outside shoes and cover in booties, just like your bags. Helps a ton! I also use the disposable thermal hand warmers wrapped around my feet, keeps them toasty. Sometimes they're really sweaty after but that's better then wet, cold and numb!

If I think it is going to rain I will use my less expensive road bike, just in case.
If I wipe I am less worried about repairs, and I am less worried about cleanup and maintenance problems.
I still get my workout in.
If it is pouring I can still use the trainer.

Of course, cycling is my weakest event ;-)

go sealed bearings. I have been using a fixie for this reason cause I went through 2 hubs and jockey wheels in a year due to rain. The back was toasted but the front lasted. Sealed bearings are best and no derailleur. That's one reason a fixie is best.